Jake Berry reveals best independent shops in Darwen

Earlier this year Jake Berry, MP for Rossendale and Darwen, asked the public to vote for their favourite independent businesses in Darwen.

Now, the results have been revealed and nine Darwen businesses have been praised.

The top spot was claimed by Turner’s Butchers at Darwen Market, which has been passed down through three family generations.

Owner Tom Turner said: “I’ve been here all of my life. My dad started this about 60 years ago and I just carried on.

“It’s absolutely great and a fantastic feeling to have won.

Tom Turner (Image: Tom Turner)

“I like to think I provide a nice service and am just thankful that the customers look after us in response.

“We are reasonably priced and try our best to be happy.

“We are eager to speak to people and our services have a personal touch.”

Tom said he sells local produce and even has a farm of his own where he grows his own food.

He said: “Times are tough at the minute and everything is so depressing. This has given us a lift and it’s nice to get a little ‘pat on the back’

“I want to thank the public for helping and supporting us – it’s much appreciated.”

Woods Fruit and Veg, also in Darwen market, came second.

Owner, David Livesey, has managed the stall for 10 years.

David Livesey (Image: David Livesey)

He said: “We are very honoured. We are a personal business and customers are more like family to us.

“It’s tough for independent businesses at the minute and I really appreciate everyone’s custom.

“Even if you purchase one tomato or 20 pounds of them it’s really appreciated.

“I want to thank anyone who voted for us. We already won it in 2014 and we have been second every year since.”

Sweet Vintage, a sweet shop on Craft Street in Darwen, came third.

Laura Jenkinson (Image: Newsquest archive)

Owner, Laura Jenkinson, said: “We are very proud to have been nominated by so many of our customers, and over the moon to have been in the top three.

“For the top three positions to have been all businesses from Darwen Market shows the commitment by our customers to independent businesses, and the market as a whole.

“The team at Sweet Vintage work really hard to make every customer feel welcome and appreciated and we are truly grateful for their continued and ongoing support.”

Belgrave Boutique, on Bolton Road, came sixth.

A spokesperson said: “Yes sure we are absolutely thrilled at firstly being nominated and so grateful for all the votes and continued support by our loyal customers.

“Darwen is a great town with great people”.

Here is the full list of winning Darwen businesses:

1. Turner’s Butchers, Croft Street

2. Woods Fruit and Veg, Croft Street

3. Sweet Vintage, Croft Street

4. Scent Station, Railway Road

5. The Retreat, Belgrave Square

6. Belgrave Boutique, Railway Road

7. By Erin Gift Shop, Bridge Street

8. Shelley’s Fresh Farm and Produce, Market Street

9. The Animal Garden, Cemetery Road